In short: Quick, flat, nice return leg along the river.In full: First race after 4 years out.Good re-introduction to the competitive aspect of running.Will consider next year when I need a PB boost!Date of review: August 2, 2008

In short: I finally got to run this after 2 years and it was worth it!In full: I had to pull out of this race in 2006 and 2007 due to injury and was determined to finally experience this race.It has a lovely local club feel to it with a good representation from all of the main local clubs and a few that were a bit further afield.Notwithstanding this, there were plenty of unattached runners and they all seemed to be made welcome. There was a good mix of fast club runners and slower runners on the course making it a very inclusive event. Not at all elitist.The location is perfect, starting and finishing by the river Thames. As others have noted, the first half is not a particularly inspiring route, some of which involved running on the road where there was either no path or a very uneven pavement. The car drivers were mostly very patient and the marshals did a great job keeping everything running smoothly.The second half was along the towpath which is quite narrow, but pretty. Thankfully, by this time most of the runners had stretched out and (apart from a few people who insisted on running side by side) it was easy to get along.I really enjoyed this race. It is a flat-fast course. It is impeccably organised. Well marshalled and the mug was a nice change from the medal. Although I do understand that some people liked the challenge of trying to get a different medal depending on their finishing position, I am happy with something that I can use.Will definitely put this in my diary for next year.Well done E.R.R !

In short: Fast, flat and funIn full: I like the mug, and the 9:30 start. Car parking was a little more difficult than last year but overall this is a really good race. The large number of club runners is proof of how fast it is, but it is fun and friendly too. I'll be back.Date of review: July 22, 2008

In short: Excellent flat courseIn full: Well organised early morning run on a flat two part course - first half road & the 2nd along the towpath. Good numbers of runners & marshalls. Only real downside was that I equalled my PB...how is that possible??? Well done to all.Date of review: July 21, 2008

In short: Does exactly what it says on the tin - a roadrace for club runnersIn full: ...but everyone very welcome. Well organised, quick (pancake) flat race w/ pb-potential, good organisation + marshalls... definitely 'clubby' with a big team element, but never in a bad way... it was all relaxed and enjoyable despite it being fairly 'serious' runners. Wasn't too big so shouldn't have got too crowded. As u might expect - this race won't 'change your life', and won't be the first race you re-enter in 2009, but if u want a fast flat 10k to set a pb (with a few km of pleasant riverside along the way) then this could do the job nicely! As for replacing the medals with mugs (was handing out tiered medals too 'elitist' or un-PC?), my wife was glad of a new mug, but i always like medals - even if they're just for turning up!! Date of review: July 21, 2008

In short: Well organised & flat, what more could you want?!In full: Nice early start so it wasn't too hot. Flat course for PB hunters and a mix of all abilities to cater for everyone. Well organised too, highly recommend Date of review: July 20, 2008

In short: Is it me or is the course getting quicker?In full: It's me.Really gave me a lift this race. Was nonchalant about doing it at first and so glad I did. The course is quick, albeit not the most scenic for the first half, but it's not about taking photographs but moving as fast as you can. In that case it's great.I love the atmospheres at these local races now as you get to know faces and have your club runners around you.Organisation was faultless, km markers accurate and visible, navigated the marquee by the river fantastically and well marshalled throughout.I like my mug (but I must admit I would have like the gold/silver/bronze medals back) and thanks for the raffle prize!I don't like the rating you have to give on beginner-friendliness as it is forcibly low. It is a clubby run, but this isn't a problem for club runners and don't see why it should be something to be penalised for in the ratings system.Loved this morning very much and was just what I needed.Thanks Elmbridge RR and all the helpers too.Date of review: July 20, 2008

In short: Really good eventIn full: Nice course - riverside half definitely a plus, and I thought it was nice to watch the chaps doing the regatta on the way. Learned the hard way to keep my mouth shut alongside a riverside under trees to keep flies out. Sorry to the person behind me! Date of review: July 20, 2008